[1] The damning allegations by Bloomberg^[1]  that the MACC may be part of what it described as a “corporate mafia” involved in taking over companies – claims that, if proven, would rank among the most serious accusations ever levelled against the MACC – has understandably created an uproar. Hundreds turned up at a rally last night to demand the resignation of Azam Baki, the MACC chief.

[2] But it is now no longer just about Azam Baki’s reputation; the credibility of the prime minister and the entire government is now on the line.

[3] Instead of expressing shock (like most Malaysians) and quickly ordering a thorough and independent investigation, the prime minister took evasive action, defending the indefensible, offering half-hearted measures and strained justifications. 

[4] He swiftly defended Azam, a man whose contract he has repeatedly extended despite his controversial profile. He praised Azam for doing his job, took his explanation on the shares issue at face value and carefully avoided any mention of the more serious allegations against him. 

[5] Subsequently, in what appeared to be a minimal attempt to ally public concern, he appointed a trio of senior civil servants – officials who owe their positions to him, serve at his pleasure, and ultimately report to him –  to investigate Azam. Even then, he carefully limited the scope of the investigation to exclude the most damaging elements of the Bloomberg report.^[2]

[6] Surely, these are the actions of someone more focused on managing the political fallout and containing an explosive situation than on uncovering the truth.

[7] Astonishingly, cabinet spokesman Fahmi Fadzil had the temerity to claim that the cabinet’s decision demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring “transparency and integrity in the investigative process.”^[3] Such statements stretch credibility and confirm that this is a government that doesn’t even understand the meaning of words like transparency and integrity. 

[8] Meanwhile, Azam Baki remains defiant, in office and with his power and influence intact. While the generals he recently investigated for corruption were promptly placed on leave, he is allowed to remain at his post even while under investigation. This is a glaring double standard, something that again reflects badly on the prime minister.

[9] There are other troubling signs as well. Instead of investigating Azam, Bukit Aman quickly launched a criminal investigation against Bloomberg over its report on Azam’s share ownership.^[4] Soon after, reports emerged that records of Azam’s shareholdings listed with the Companies Commission of Malaysia were no longer publicly accessible.^[5]

[10] The prime minister’s tepid response raises an obvious question: why does he continue to protect a man he once demanded be suspended over an earlier shareholding scandal?^[6] Why avoid an independent commission of inquiry? What is he afraid of? Is he concerned that such a probe might reveal deeper systemic failures –  that the rot extends far beyond a single individual?

[11] Malaysia has paid dearly in the past for delays, denials and defensive reflexes when confronting allegations of misconduct at the highest levels. The lesson should have been clear: early transparency prevents long-term damage. Instead, we are seeing a familiar pattern of hesitation.

[12] The prime minister should have no illusions – the longer this drags on, the more it damages his own credibility and integrity. It is no longer merely about Azam Baki; it is about his weak leadership and an unconvincing commitment to reform. Despite the rhetoric about fighting corruption, his reluctance to act decisively when the situation clearly warrants it, suggests an unwillingness to truly clean house.

[13] The cabinet, too, cannot avoid their responsibility. Instead of demanding a proper investigation, some ministers appear to be conveniently outsourcing whatever concerns they may have to  subordinates while hiding behind collective responsibility. What happened to all the moral indignation, the passion for justice, the demand for reform that once animated them?

[14] This is a  crisis that strikes at the very heart of public trust in government and in the cabinet itself. Nothing less than a Royal Commission of Inquiry led by someone with unimpeachable credentials, some who has the absolute trust of the people – former  Chief Justice Tengku Maimun immediately comes to mind – can restore confidence. Nothing less will suffice to redeem the government’s honour, credibility and integrity.

[Dennis Ignatius |Kuala Lumpur | 16 February 2026]

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^[1] Who’s Watching Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog? | Bloomberg | 12 Feb 2026

^[2] AG heads committee on Azam, unclear if MACC ‘collusion’ under probe |Malaysiakini | 14 Feb 2026

^[3] Fahmi: Cabinet orders probe into MACC chief Azam Baki, special committee led by Chief Secretary to Government |Malay Mail | 13 Feb 2026

^[4] Bukit Aman opens criminal probe against Bloomberg over report on Azam |Malaysiakini | 14 Feb 2026

^[5] Azam Baki miliki saham Awanbiru Technology bernilai lebih RM1 juta |Malaysiakini |11 Feb 2026

^[6] Harapan chiefs want Azam Baki, Abu Zahar suspended pending probe |Malaysiakini |12 Jan 2022